Exxpress Mart owners, Imad and Elias Sarkis are deeply committed to making a difference in Southeast Texas.
At a special check presentation, Exxpress Mart presented the Gift of Life with a $32,500 donation to further the organization’s healthcare and educational programs.
Implemented in 2013 by Imad and Elias Sarkis, the Exxpress Mart Holiday Giving Campaign encourages customers to make a donation to the Gift of Life by purchasing a festive reindeer that symbolizes their support of the organization and provids much-needed funds for its expansion of healthcare services.
This year, thousands of Southeast Texas residents charitably supported Exxpress Mart’s community initiative, contributing to a unique grassroots effort that benefits individuals residing throughout the Gift of Life’s seven-county service area.
“Though the landscape of healthcare is changing, one aspect of medical care that hasn’t changed is the critical need for lifesaving cancer screenings and education in our community,” said Regina Rogers, Gift of Life Founder and Chair. “The contributions from Exxpress Mart and their customers are a blessing for the Gift of Life at a time when the need for our services is increasing, while traditional funding avenues are diminishing. We are grateful for this phenomenal show of support because it will truly save lives.”
In a friendly spirit of competition, each of the twenty participating Exxpress Mart stores sought to raise the most money for the Gift of Life. The top-earning stores were Exxpress Mart 12 (located in Lumberton) that raised $4,362.49 and Exxpress Mart 24 (located in Silsbee), which collected $4,058.50. Altogether, $22,500 was raised for the Gift of Life – almost doubling last year’s contribution.
Leading by example, the Sarkis brothers contributed an additional $10,000 in loving memory of their beloved father, the late Samir Sarkis, who passed away last December and whose extraordinary legacy of hard work and a generous spirit inspired them to build a successful family business and give back to the region.
“The Sarkis family is deeply committed to the needs of people,” said Norma Sampson, Gift of Life Executive Director. “Not only did they conceive of this incredible way to help, but their heartfelt connection to individuals who lack access to lifesaving healthcare services was illuminated by the way they actively participated in this campaign. We are humbled recipients of their benevolence and goodwill.”
This incredible fundraising effort will provide support, education and free healthcare services to Southeast Texans in need. The Gift of Life applauds Exxpress Mart for making a difference in our community with their compassionate generosity.
Thank you, Imad, Elias, and ExxpressMart!
